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. 2025 May;46(5):2263-2288.
doi: 10.1007/s10072-025-08048-3. Epub 2025 Feb 21.

Therapeutic approach to fibromyalgia: a consensus statement on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment from the neuropathic pain special interest group of the Italian neurological society

G Devigili #  1 , G Di Stefano  2 , V Donadio #  3 , I Frattale #  4 , L Grazzi #  1 , E Mantovani #  5 , M Nolano #  6   7 , V Provitera #  6 , S G Quitadamo #  8 , S Tamburin #  5 , A Truini #  2 , M Valeriani #  4 , A Furia  1 , E Vecchio #  8 , F Fischetti  8 , G Greco  8 , A Telesca  1 , M de Tommaso  9 ; On behhalf of neuropathic pain special interest group of the Italian neurological society (sin)
Affiliations

Therapeutic approach to fibromyalgia: a consensus statement on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment from the neuropathic pain special interest group of the Italian neurological society

G Devigili et al. Neurol Sci. 2025 May.

Abstract

Background: Although fibromyalgia is a disabling disease, there is no targeted therapy for specific neurotransmitters or inflammatory mediators. Our aim was to provide neurologists with practical guidance for the management of these difficult patients based on a critical, narrative and non-systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the last 10 years.

Methods: The members of the Special Interest Group Neuropathic Pain of the Italian Neurological Society evaluated the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the last 10 years and answered questions that allow a consensus on the main pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.

Results: The neuropathic pain working group agreed on prescribing antiepileptic drugs or antidepressants in the case of comorbidities with anxiety and depression. As a second choice, experts have agreed on the association of antiepileptics and antidepressants, while they disagree with the use of opioids. Medical cannabis and nutraceuticals are promising new treatment options, although more data is needed to prove their efficacy. The neurologists agreed in suggesting physical activity at the first visit, particularly aerobic and strength training. As a second choice, they considered a cognitive behavioral therapy approach to be useful.

Conclusions: Pharmacologic treatment with antiepileptic drugs and antidepressants in patients with co-occurring anxiety and depression, as well as an early nonpharmacologic approach based primarily on physical activity, may be a useful indication in contemporary neurology clinical practice. Non-pharmacological options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and non-invasive brain stimulation NIBS, could improve evidence of efficacy and lead to relevant improvement in FM-related disability.

Keywords: Fibromyalgia; Non-pharmacological therapy; Pharmacological therapy; Recommendations; Treatments.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical approval: Study on therapeutic approach to fibromyalgia received approval from Bari Regional Ethical Committee at IRCSS Giovanni Paolo II, Bari. Conflict interest: None. Informed consent: It is a review without clinical data. No patient included.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Answers to questions about pharmacological therapies: Chi-square test results are indicated
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Answers to questions related to pharmacological therapies: Chi-square test results are reported
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Responses to questions related to non-pharmacological treatments: Chi-square test results are reported
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Summary of recommendations for the therapeutic approach to fibromyalgia. A)
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Summary of recommendations for the therapeutic approach to fibromyalgia. B)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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